Invisalign®

February 18, 2016 By

Do you want straighter teeth but dread the thought of wearing bulky, metal braces? Not a problem! Invisalign® uses cutting-edge technology to straighten teeth using clear, comfortable, and removable aligners. This simple approach allows you to forget you’re wearing an orthodontic device, as you can still eat what you like, brush and floss normally, and smile with confidence. If you’re interested in pursuing an Invisalign® treatment, discuss your situation with Dr. Wilkinson.

At Wilkinson Dental, we recommend Invisalign® for the following orthodontic issues:

The obvious benefit of using Invisalign® instead of traditional braces is aesthetic: bulky metal braces vs. nearly invisible aligners. You can’t hide brackets and wires, so every time you speak or smile, your braces will be seen. Invisalign®, on the other hand, will likely go unnoticed due to the aligners’ thin, clear, and discreet design. However, the invisibility of Invisalign® is not its only advantage over braces:

Comfort. Braces’ wires and brackets can poke your gums, causing irritation. Invisalign® is comfortable and will not scrape or rub against your mouth.

Food. Food can become stuck in braces, and you aren’t allowed to eat certain foods (gum, sticky candies, etc). Invisalign®, on the other hand, can be removed before eating, so you can eat anything you like.

Health. Brushing and flossing require more dedication with braces. With Invisalign®, you can brush and floss normally. Plus, because it’s easy to miss a spot when brushing with braces, tooth decay and gum disease are a greater concern.

Perhaps most importantly, because Invisalign® will not affect your appearance, it won’t change the way you feel about yourself during the course of treatment. In fact, teens using Invisalign® are two times more likely to have a boost in self-esteem during the course of treatment than teens wearing braces (source). Plus, when you complete your treatment, you will likely be more in love with your smile than ever.

How It Works

To get started, simply contact Wilkinson Dental. As an Invisalign®-trained provider, we have the tools and experience necessary to create a customized treatment plan for you. We can also determine if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign® and help you understand what the process will be like, the costs involved, how your dental or orthodontic insurance might factor into the equation, and more.

Then, we will take x-rays, pictures, and impressions of your teeth, so that Invisalign® can create a digital 3D image. Using this technology, a series of custom-made aligners will be sent to you. You will wear them for the majority of the day (20 to 22 hours for best results), removing them only when you eat and brush/floss your teeth. Every two weeks, you will receive new aligners that are subtly different, and each set will gently push your teeth into place.

When you achieve a straight and beautiful smile, your treatment will be complete. To ensure that your teeth don’t shift out of place, you may need to wear retainers, which will lock in your new smile and protect your investment.

If you’re ready to set up an appointment to discuss your cosmetic dentistry options, please give Wilkinson Dental a call at 417-708-0556. We look forward to hearing from you!